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• MERV

  A standard for rating heating and air-conditioning filter efficiency.

• Ventilation

  Another word for “airing the place out,” ventilation is one of the top three ways to improve indoor air quality.

• Air cleaner

  There are several different types, but these useful appliances are no substitute for good cleaning and other preventive measures.

• Dust, dusting

  It's everywhere, all the time. Here's how to keep it to a tolerable minimum.

• HEPA

  A term relating to filter effectiveness. HEPA filtration removes 99.97 percent of all particles 0.3 microns and larger.

• Fabric filter

  A fancy term for a wide variety of dust catchers.

• Environmental agents

  What the scientists mean when using this term.

• Duct

  These metal conduits distribute heated or cooled air from a furnace or central air conditioner. No one’s sure whether they need regular professional cleaning.

• Air watt

  This standard measures the cleaning power of a vacuum cleaner.

• CADR

  Look for these numbers when comparing portable room air cleaners.

• Room air conditioner

  Cleaning this appliance is best done in autumn.

• Candles

  They create a warm, cozy atmosphere — and present some hazards as well.

• Air filter

  All forced-air heating and air-conditioning systems have HVAC filters.

• Furnace

  Replacing or cleaning the filter each month is key.

• Relative humidity

  Even humidity is relative.

• Humidity

  What this term means for a clean, healthy home.

• Television

  These appliances attract a lot of dust. Here's how to prevent or remove it.

• Truck-mounted extractor

  These are the dirt-busting powerhouses of carpet cleaning.

• Vacuum system, central

  These powerful units offer many advantages over upright and canister vacuums.

• Wet-dry vac

  Wet-dry vacuum cleaners are best suited to garages and unfinished basements since they tend to spew fine dust out with the exhaust air if you don’t install an optional filter. They can come in handy for limited jobs in the home, such as clearing out a clogged sink, sucking up pet accidents, etc.

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